On April 16, the State of Washington declared a drought emergency, signaling warmer months ahead with limited water resources in the region. Many counties, including the Whatcom area, will experience lower-than-normal water supply. It’s crucial to consider the coming conditions in landscaping. What does this mean for commercial properties and home gardens? By incorporating drought-tolerant plants, mindful watering techniques, and proper preparedness, landscapers and property owners can effectively adapt to the ongoing challenges of drought while still maintaining attractive landscapes.

The changing planet is evident in events like prolonged droughts, which necessitates reevaluating traditional landscaping choices. Drought-tolerant plants not only endure water scarcity but also contribute to the overall resilience of the ecosystem. Additionally, in Washington, the array of options offers aesthetic appeal, sustaining low moisture and high heat without having to sacrifice beauty. 

Selecting Drought-Tolerant Plants

Drought-tolerant plants can withstand extended periods with little to no water. They are typically characterized by deep root systems and small succulent, waxy, or hairy leaves. Many of these plants are well-suited for Washington’s changing conditions. Some beautiful options for Washington State landscapes include Northern Catalpa, Wild Mockorange, Red Flowering Currant, Blue Blossom, Gilt Edge Silverberry, California Wax Myrtle, Common Houseleek, and Vancouver Gold Woadwaxen.

A multitude of drought-tolerant plant varieties are available, offering many options to suit various landscaping needs. At 1-2 years of mature growth, drought-tolerant plants will sustain dryer-than-usual conditions with proper soil health. By planting and caring for them correctly, it’s possible to maintain their vibrancy and health in drought conditions.

Optimizing Water Usage

Efficient watering practices are essential for maintaining a landscape during a drought. Implementing tools like hose timers, micro-irrigation systems, and creating hydrozones–grouping plants with similar water and soil needs–can significantly reduce water consumption while ensuring optimal plant health.

Assessing turf irrigation becomes paramount during drought periods. A significant portion of a property’s water consumption is allocated to maintaining lush and green grass. To optimize irrigation during dry spells, consider these best practices: 

• • Evaluate timers: reassess your irrigation schedule to avoid unnecessary watering. Adjust your schedule based on temperature forecasts and water evaporation rates. 

• • Install Smart Irrigation Systems: Upgrade to smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data and soil moisture levels. These systems ensure lawns receive water only when necessary, optimizing water waste. 

• • Utilize Micro-Irrigation Techniques: Implement micro-irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation or micro-spray stakes, for targeted watering. These systems can deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing runoff and evaporation. 

• • Practice Hydrozoning: Plant grouping allows for more efficient irrigation scheduling and prevents overwatering or underwatering based on species needs. Avoid hydrozoning large turf areas, as they take large water resources. 

By implementing watering best practices and drought-tolerant plant selections, landscapers and property owners can effectively adapt to ongoing drought conditions while maintaining their landscapes. 

Nurturing Soil Health 

Healthy soil is the foundation of a long-lasting, resilient landscape, especially in drought conditions. Mulch application can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, crucial for plants’ survival. Regular soil checks should become a practice for all landscapers and property owners to determine soil conditions and proper watering methods. Lawn aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes, a practice that offers numerous benefits for soil health, especially during drought conditions. Aeration helps improve soil structure, enhance water absorption, stimulate deep root growth, and enhance the efficiency of fertilizer. 

Furthermore, the incorporation of organic soil matter offers numerous benefits to the resilience of landscapes, particularly in dry conditions. Organic matter enriches the soil, improving its structure and water retention capacity. It fosters microbial activity, promoting nutrient cycling and enhancing overall soil health. Additionally, organic matter acts as a natural mulch, reducing evaporation and soil temperature fluctuations, thereby conserving moisture and providing a more hospitable environment for plants during periods of drought.

Preparing for Drought Challenges 

As climate conditions evolve, proactive planning is crucial for adapting to environmental changes. This entails preparing landscapes in advance during the winter and spring, integrating hardscapes to provide shade and support water conservation efforts, and adding rock features to fill space and promote moisture retention. Consulting with landscaping professionals at MSNW can provide your property with tailored solutions for your specific landscape needs and concerns. 

In conclusion, navigating drought requires proactive steps toward sustainable landscape practices. Through choosing drought-tolerant species, optimizing water usage, prioritizing soil health, and proper planning, we can create long-standing landscapes that thrive even in the face of water scarcity.